Something to watch for at your next networking function

Thu, 2009-09-17 23:09

There's a study out now that proves what you've probably already noticed: Talking with attractive women can make men who ordinarily are pretty smart become stupid (at least temporarily). From the Telegraph (via Slashdot):

The research shows men who spend even a few minutes in the company of an attractive woman perform less well in tests designed to measure brain function than those who chat to someone they do not find attractive.

Researchers who carried out the study, published in the Journal of Experimental and Social Psychology, think the reason may be that men use up so much of their brain function or 'cognitive resources' trying to impress beautiful women, they have little left for other tasks.

Not that there's anything that can be done about it, but it's nice to have science validate what I first observed at a dance at Camp Yo Aunta back in probably fifth grade. While I would have guessed the same holds true for women trying to impress good-looking guys, the article says not. Hmm. Anyway, it'd be fun to pay attention to it at your next networking function and see if your attendees are the exception or the rule on this one.